First Impressions of ReadyWise Simple Kitchen Mashed Potatoes – 45 Serving Can
The ReadyWise Simple Kitchen Mashed Potatoes – 45 Serving Can promises a convenient and long-lasting solution for a classic comfort food. Offered by ReadyWise, a brand known for its emergency food supplies, this product aims to provide a quick, easy, and gluten-free way to enjoy mashed potatoes anytime. The prospect of shelf-stable mashed potatoes ready at a moment’s notice definitely sparked my interest.
I often find myself needing a quick and easy side dish while camping or during busy weeknights. Pre-packaged mashed potatoes always seem to fall short, both in taste and texture. I hoped the ReadyWise offering would bridge the gap between convenience and quality.
Upon receiving the #10 can, I was immediately struck by its size. It’s substantial! The can feels sturdy and well-sealed, promising a long shelf life. Compared to dehydrated potato flakes in a box or smaller pouches of instant mashed potatoes, the ReadyWise Simple Kitchen Mashed Potatoes seemed like a more practical option for bulk storage and emergency preparedness. I picked this over smaller packages because of cost savings in bulk, longer shelf life, and ease of storage.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. Could these be real mashed potatoes in a can? I was excited to find out if ReadyWise could deliver on its promise of homestyle goodness.
Real-World Testing: Putting ReadyWise Simple Kitchen Mashed Potatoes – 45 Serving Can to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the ReadyWise Simple Kitchen Mashed Potatoes – 45 Serving Can during a weekend camping trip in the mountains. The weather was cool and damp, perfect for a comforting side dish. Preparation was incredibly easy: just add water!
The potatoes rehydrated quickly, and I was pleasantly surprised by the relatively smooth texture. I did notice a slightly processed flavor that’s common with dehydrated foods. I decided to kick it up a notch by adding some butter, milk, salt, and pepper.
There were no major issues during the first use, but I did find myself needing to experiment with the water-to-potato ratio to achieve the desired consistency. The initial results were a bit on the watery side, so I added more potato flakes to thicken it up.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the ReadyWise Simple Kitchen Mashed Potatoes at home and on a few shorter trips, they have held up remarkably well. The can shows no signs of damage or degradation. The potatoes still rehydrate easily and maintain a consistent flavor.
Durability isn’t really an issue for a product like this, as long as the can remains sealed. Maintaining them is also a breeze; there’s nothing to clean! Compared to my previous experiences with instant mashed potatoes, the ReadyWise offering is a clear winner in terms of convenience, shelf life, and overall taste when properly seasoned. It doesn’t quite reach the level of freshly made mashed potatoes, but it’s a solid and reliable alternative.
Breaking Down the Features of ReadyWise Simple Kitchen Mashed Potatoes – 45 Serving Can
Specifications
- Manufacturer: ReadyWise
- Number of Servings: 45 Servings
- Shelf Life: Extended (Specific duration not listed, but designed for long-term storage.)
- Preparation: Quick and Easy – Just add water.
- Dietary: Gluten Free
These specifications are important because they highlight the product’s key benefits. The 45-serving size makes it a cost-effective option for families or groups, while the extended shelf life ensures that it will be ready when needed. The fact that it’s gluten-free is a bonus for those with dietary restrictions.
Performance & Functionality
The ReadyWise Simple Kitchen Mashed Potatoes performs its primary job – providing a quick and easy source of mashed potatoes – admirably. They are reliable and consistent in rehydration, producing a decent texture every time. The flavor, while not exceptional on its own, is a good base for customization with seasonings, butter, and milk.
The main strength is its convenience and long shelf life. The weakness lies in the slightly processed flavor and the need for added ingredients to achieve a truly satisfying taste. Overall, it meets expectations for a dehydrated food product intended for emergency preparedness or quick meals.
Design & Ergonomics
The product’s design is simple and functional: a large, sturdy can for long-term storage. The weight is substantial due to the volume of potatoes, but manageable. There’s no real ergonomic aspect to consider, as it’s a food product, not a tool.
It is incredibly user-friendly. The instructions are clear: simply add water and stir. There’s virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
Assuming the can remains sealed and stored properly, the ReadyWise Simple Kitchen Mashed Potatoes should last for many years. There’s no maintenance or repair needed. The durability of the packaging is key to its longevity.
Accessories and Customization Options
The product itself doesn’t come with any accessories. Customization options are essentially endless, limited only by your culinary creativity. Butter, milk, cheese, bacon bits, chives, garlic, and various seasonings can be added to enhance the flavor and texture. The potatoes are compatible with any readily available food additives.
Pros and Cons of ReadyWise Simple Kitchen Mashed Potatoes – 45 Serving Can
Pros
- Convenient and easy to prepare: Simply add water for a quick side dish.
- Long shelf life: Ideal for emergency preparedness and long-term storage.
- Gluten-free: Suitable for individuals with dietary restrictions.
- Cost-effective: 45 servings in a single can offers good value.
- Versatile: Can be customized with various seasonings and additions.
Cons
- Slightly processed flavor: May require additional seasonings to enhance taste.
- Requires experimentation with water ratio: Achieving the perfect consistency may take some practice.
Who Should Buy ReadyWise Simple Kitchen Mashed Potatoes – 45 Serving Can?
The ReadyWise Simple Kitchen Mashed Potatoes – 45 Serving Can is perfect for survivalists, campers, large families, and anyone looking for a convenient and long-lasting food storage solution. It’s also ideal for those who need a quick and easy side dish without compromising on taste (when properly seasoned).
Those seeking a truly gourmet mashed potato experience or who prefer completely natural, unprocessed foods might want to skip this product. Must-have accessories or modifications include butter, milk or cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any other seasonings you enjoy with mashed potatoes.
Conclusion on ReadyWise Simple Kitchen Mashed Potatoes – 45 Serving Can
The ReadyWise Simple Kitchen Mashed Potatoes – 45 Serving Can delivers on its promise of convenient and long-lasting mashed potatoes. While the flavor may not be as rich as homemade, it’s a solid foundation that can be easily customized to suit your taste. At $36.99, the price is justified given the quantity and shelf life.
I would personally recommend this product to anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-prepare food storage option. It’s a versatile staple that can be used in a variety of situations, from emergency preparedness to weeknight dinners. Stock up and be ready for anything!